December

09

Christmas at The Castle

On Saturday 9 December, visitors to Guildford will have an opportunity to ‘step back in time’ to experience a Medieval Christmas at Guildford Castle. Past Pleasures, the UK’s leading professional costumed live interpretation company, will take visitors back to 1347 to encounter King Edward III, Queen Philippa of Hainault and members of their Court – who are known to have celebrated Christmas at Guildford Castle almost 700 years ago.

The event, organised by Guildford Borough Council, sees the return of Past Pleasures to Guildford following the hugely successful Christmas at the Castle event last year.

Proceedings will once again begin at the Medieval Undercroft on Guildford High Street, where history enthusiasts and Christmas shoppers alike will encounter His Majesty’s courtiers.

Following a quick lesson in royal etiquette, the Royal Party will arrive and members of the public will be encouraged to join a procession to the Castle.

King Edward and Queen Philippa will address the crowd assembled in the Castle Grounds before entering the Castle where they – and members of the public – will enjoy Festive merriment provided by Medieval musicians and dancing – along with the promise of high jinx from the Gong Scourer, appointed on this occasion to be the ‘Lord of Misrule’.

Buoyed with Christmas cheer, the crowd will be joyfully dismissed back to the Castle Grounds where they will find Seasonal stalls selling crafts, decorations and refreshments – all by local Surrey makers.

Kate Howard, Creative Director of Witley-based Past Pleasures, says: “The Household Accounts of the Great Wardrobe of Edward III show that the Court stayed at Guildford Castle in 1347, during which time the King and Queen enjoyed a Christmas masque.”

Christmas at Guildford Castle takes place on

Saturday 9 December, 11.30am – 3.30pm.

Processions will leave the Medieval Undercroft on Guildford High Street at 12pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.